I love to journal, to write about life, and to record moments in time through word-snapshots. Disclaimer: As a creative writer, I thrill in capturing emotions through words, albeit weak vessels though they may be. At times my words may sound stronger than they are meant to be, merely because I'm attempting to express the depth and power of the emotion behind it. (All material on this page is the sole property of the author and cannot be copied with written permission.)

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Education is More Than a Degree Program

I cancelled my enrollment agreement today. I was so excited about starting a Masters in Psychology online, but now I'm back to square one, looking for a program that is reputable, affordable, and meets my career goals. Argh!!! At least this lesson didn't cost me to the tune of $6,000 which is approximately how much I spent last summer!

I was already feeling uncomfortable with the school itself when the correspondence I received from various personnel had grammar and spelling mistakes and were not professional. Then, after paying the $75 application fee (kind of steep for a school that isn't even regionally accredited), I discovered that the program I'm interested in had a 34% completion rate and no data was available for the licensure exam pass rate. I also learned that the only payment options available to me as a degree student was to pre-pay a full semester's tuition (regardless of the number of credits I took) or to pay on a payment plan. In addition I had planned to start with just a 1-credit class, so both payment options meant I would be paying more than I would be receiving in actual classes. I also discovered I would have to pay a $125 fee for an orientation to the learning process and software. So. . .after much deliberation and talking it out, I decided that seeing the amount of hassle I was going through just at the beginning of the program wasn't worth it.

It's kind of frustrating. I mean, I don't want to be known as the girl who's taken a class in each of 12 different graduate programs but can't get one program finished completely! But with each program that doesn't work out, I realize more of what I am looking for. I don't think I want to do an online program. I don't want an Education degree. I do want a professional program that cares more about me as a student than about making money off of me. In addition, I'm looking for a program where I can invest my hard-earned money and know that I will receive a benefit that matches the money I'm putting into the program.

So it looks like I'm back to the drawing board. . .again! The plan now is to keep researching programs and save up money. Maybe in 5 years I'll have enough to go to a real university and study in a real Psychology program. We shall see :) Until then, now I'm happy because I don't have to watch my pennies so closely and maybe this week I'll go out for lunch. I've been wanting Indian food with tamarind chutney for two weeks now!!!